Nintendo of America has announced that it has shipped its GameCube strategy RPG Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to North American retailers. The ninth installment in the long-running series, Path of Radiance marks the first Fire Emblem title to hit a home console since the Super Nintendo's critically acclaimed Thracia 776.

The game marks the third appearance of the series in North America, and owners of the two previous installments will be able to unlock special bonus extras in Path of Radiance. During this year's E3 show, two RPGamer correspondents were able to sample the game, and their impressions can be found here and here.

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance has an ESRB rating of T for Teen and a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49.99. Those eager to experience its challenging strategy RPG gameplay should look for it to begin appearing on retailer shelves as early as Tuesday.